Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Inventory Update Reporting Rule IUR Proposal

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing several actions relating to reporting on chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA is proposing to increase the frequency of reporting under the Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) Rule. The IUR requires manufacturers and importers of chemicals to report information on volumes of chemical production, manufacturing facility data, and how the chemicals are used.

The proposed rule would require manufacturers, including importers, to submit information electronically, which will help the agency to make the data public more quickly. The proposed rule also would limit the information that can be treated as confidential so the public can access it, and require more reporting from chemical manufacturers.

This proposal will be released public comment, which EPA will use to develop the final rule and guidance documents. EPA expects to finalize the modifications to the chemical information reporting rule in time for the next reporting period, scheduled for June 1 – September 30, 2011. EPA will make the electronic reporting software and associated guidance materials available before the start of the submission period.

In addition to the proposed rule on chemical reporting, EPA is seeking public comment on a draft guidance document on chemical information reporting and on specific documents relating to the reporting of chemical byproducts.